Check the Ignition Timing

• 1). Park the vehicle in a location away from traffic and start the engine. Turn all car accessories off, including the radio and air conditioning/heat.
  
  
• 2). Chock all of the wheels. Put the transmission in drive and engage the emergency brake. Allow the engine to reach an idle speed of about 750 rpm.
  
  
• 3). Connect the timing light and/or tachometer to vehicle's battery, Number 1 spark plug and the main crank pulley.
  
  
• 4). Check where the timing mark on the pulley falls to see what the ignition timing currently is. 15 degrees is the factory recommendation.
  
  
• 5). Loosen the distributor lock-down bolt with your wrench. The lock-down bolt should be located near or next to the base of the distributor housing.
  
  
• 6). Disconnect and plug the distributor vacuum hose into the distributor housing.
  
  
• 7). Rotate the distributor with your hand until you achieve whatever ignition timing you want.
  
  
• 8). Tighten the distributor lock-down bolt with your wrench once you have set the ignition to your desired timing. Unplug and connect the distributor vacuum hose. Remove the timing light and/or tachometer.